Here, There, and Everywhere

In eleven days, Tala will be seven months. She's currently into rolling over our living room floor ad infinitum. We had to put our coffee table in the garage so she can have more space. She's quite the little explorer already; what more when she learns to crawl? Uh oh.

This was taken yesterday. So darn cute.

Six Month-Old Tala

My jelly bean turned six months old today. Time flew so fast, and the next thing I know she's not so little anymore. Where did my newborn go?

She walks so fast on her walker like it's nobody's business. I can actually leave her on her own without her noticing 'coz she's busy playing. When I read to her, she couldn't take her eyes off the pictures. She loves to grab the book so she can chew on the edges. When I sing, she focuses on my lips, like she wants to make out the words so she can sing along with me. She loves to wiggle, she loves to bite, she loves to be around people.

And when she plays with her Dad, it just melts my heart. It's amazing to watch them bond like only a father and a daughter can. I've never seen two people more in love with each other.

I may not have the most beautiful house, I may not have a fancy car, I may not have a huge bank account, but I have everything I could ever need.

So Far So Good

I'm in my 29th week of pregnancy and I'm doing just fine. My blood sugar level is manageable. Tala is healthy and kicking like there's no tomorrow. In my last ultrasound, she weighed 2.8 lbs., not too big and not too small. We play music for her every night: classical and baby music. I still have to buy baby books, but sometimes I use an iphone app to read books to her. I can't wait until she's old enough so I can get her the Nancy Drew series. I really want to provide a good reading environment for her. DH and I were discussing that we won't let her watch TV at least in her first two years. This way, we'll have more time for reading and for playing outside.

The last two ultrasounds, she wouldn't let the nurse take a picture of her face. She just wouldn't turn her head. I guess she wants to surprise us. I wonder who she'd take after; me or DH. Will she be more asian looking or hispanic looking? I kinda wish she'd look more like DH though. hehehe. I don't know why. I just find it cute to have a baby girl that looks like my husband. One thing for sure, she will have big beautiful eyes like mom and dad. Unless she'd take after my brother and sister who could pass for Korean or Chinese. Okay, enough fantasizing. The important thing is that she's healthy. That's every parents' wish for their baby.

We still have to buy baby stuff. What we have right now is a crib with an attached changing table. DH's boss gave us his son's old mattress and my sister-in-law is lending us her baby's bassinet. Considering how expensive baby things can be, I'm glad we're getting free stuff. I hope we'd get more before Tala comes. I've been searching the internet for basic baby stuff and reading parents' comments about what to buy and NOT to buy. So far it's been enlightening. I'm in the process of making a shortlist of baby essentials.

There are days when it still feels surreal that there's a baby growing inside of me. I can't believe that I'll be seeing her in July. I'm not ready yet! I'm both terribly excited and scared. Will I be a good mom? How can I teach her the ways of the world when I'm still a little lost myself? Uh oh. Time to stop. I don't wanna get philosophical. I just wanna shout to the whole world how happy and grateful I am to be given this chance to be a mother.

It's been a very wonderful experience; this pregnancy with all the nausea, heartburn and whatnot. In less than three months, Tala will be in my arms!!!

It's a Girl!

I had my level II ultrasound last February 10 and thankfully, everything's fine. The doctor said that instead of being on my 19th week of pregnancy, I might be just  in my 18th week. I'll find out for sure on my check-up next month.

We also found out that we're having a baby girl. We're naming her Tala. It's an old Filipino word for "star." I've always loved how the name sounds. Now, we have to think of a second name that goes with Tala. 

Here she is, our little jelly bean.

A Letter to Our Future Babies

Dearest Jet and/or Tala,

Emphasis on the word and. We'd feel equally thrilled should God permit either of you to come into our lives, but we have to admit that we've been toying with the delicious thought of having both of you at the same time. Wouldn't that be amazing?

Yesterday, your father and I went to see Ms. Hayes at Darnall Hospital. She's a fertility specialist. We've been trying to have you for more than a year so we figured we had to speed things up. We have to undergo several tests to help us have you soon. Mommy is giving up coffee, junk food, sugar, and bread, amongst other things. Same with Daddy. A half hour exercise everyday is also in order.

We feel blessed to live the life that we have. It's not perfect, but we have a lot to be grateful for. Mommy is enjoying school and is looking forward to being a nurse in the future. It's a lot different from her previous career, but Mommy's definitely up for the challenge. Daddy, on the other hand, is just a year away from retirement. He can't wait to start over again. The navy has been good, but it's time to try new things. We have the best family, the best support system, and great friends. But we're ready for the pitter-patter of tiny little feet!

We can't wait to meet you and see your faces for the first time. Our dreams and prayers revolve around starting our little family soon. We know that in His time, it will happen. We're full of hope. Meanwhile, we're trying to be the best persons that we can be. We're constantly learning and improving. This way, we'll have a shot at being good parents to you when it happens. We know that you'll find your way to us eventually. You're already in our hearts. One perfect day, we'll hold you in our arms.

P.S. It's definitely okay if you Jet want to be first, or Tala. You don't have to come at the same time ;p

Love,

Daddy and Mommy